Dynamic simulation of tracked vehicles

Researchers from Purdue University, the Federal University of Vicosa, and Caterpillar have developed a soil/track interface simulation program to model mechanical and hydraulic powertrains commonly found in tracked vehicles

Mechanical system simulation, or virtual prototyping, has been used successfully for developing a variety of vehicles in the automotive industry. Many types of tracked off-highway vehicles have been successfully simulated, including agricultural tractors and forestry machines. Simulation can be very beneficial for development of machines that are operated in varied environments, which makes it difficult to test physical prototypes. Mechanical system simulation allows engineers to evaluate the effect of component and assembly changes quickly without the need for costly prototypes. Simulation models allow engineers to evaluate many more alternatives during the design cycle, and the overall design of the machine can be optimized to meet certain pre-established goals. Simulation also helps to reduce overall design cycle time, resulting in additional cost savings.